Breed Specifications: In-depth Look at the La Fleche Chicken Breed
The La Fleche chicken, a unique and rare breed hailing from the picturesque town of La Fleche in the Pays de la Loire region of France, is gaining attention among poultry enthusiasts and gourmet cooks. This black chicken, known for its greenish sheen under sunlight, is a favourite for its tender, flavourful meat and strong, white eggs.
Originated in the early 19th century, around the 1820s, the La Fleche chicken breed is one of the few black chickens that lay white eggs. It is medium to tall with long legs and a distinctive V-shaped, horn-like comb.
The La Fleche chicken takes about 9-10 months to reach full size, slower than common meat breeds like the Cornish Cross. Hens usually start laying eggs at around 8-9 months old, which is later than some other breeds. On average, a La Fleche hen lays about 150-200 medium to large white eggs per year, making it a reasonable egg layer, albeit not a top performer.
The La Fleche chicken's active, alert, and shy personality prefers free-range living. They are known to be shy and require plenty of space to roam. High fencing is also necessary to keep them in, as they have a tendency to wander.
The breed almost went extinct twice, once in the 1900s and again during World War II. However, dedicated breeders have worked tirelessly to keep the La Fleche chicken alive, and the breed is now making a small comeback.
Eggs from La Fleche hens are known for being delicious and having strong shells, while the meat is prized for its rich, tender, and juicy flavour, making it a favourite for gourmet dishes in France. The La Fleche chicken breed is considered rare and can be hard to find outside of Europe, adding to its allure.
In summary, the La Fleche chicken is a unique and delicious addition to any poultry farm or kitchen. Its rich history, distinctive appearance, and flavourful meat make it a fascinating and tasty choice for those seeking something a bit different.
Read also:
- Cheese consumption leads to fatalities for two individuals.
- AI's looming shadow on Mexican small-scale enterprises: how purpose-driven communities can offer salvation
- Responses to COVID-19 Outlined for the Auto Industry: Key Strategies Revealed
- Global Coverage for Employer-Sponsored Fertility Benefits, Courtesy of Progyny
